Patient survey gives hospital high marks

Community Hospital received high marks in patient satisfaction in its annual survey conducted this summer, board members were told today.

The results from the survey, conducted by an independent third party as a requirement of the National Program for Quality Assurance, show the hospital has received above average marks in all eight categories.

Patients at Community Hospital rated the care at 93.94 percent compared to 92.87 percent nationally.

Nearly 97 percent of patients said they would recommend the hospital to others compared to a 95 percent national average. And 93.75 percent of local patients, compared to just under 88 percent nationally, said they had "enough say about the treatment you received."

The hospital received a 100 percent satisfaction rating from patients who were asked if their medical professional took the time to discuss any anxieties and fears about their condition or treatment. Patients also gave the hospital a 100 percent rating for explaining the purpose of major medical tests.

The meals served at the hospital were given a 75 percent rating compared to 71.23 nationally. Ninety-five percent of the patients said they recieved the requested help with eating, bathing, or getting to the bathroom at Community Hospital compared to 85.75 percent nationally and 86.67 expressed satisfaction with their discharge instructions, compared to 77.6 nationally.

The board also elected new officers for the board. Jeff Crick was named chairman, Wayne Watkins, vice-chairman, Vicky Weigel, secretary and Kenneth Bracht, treasurer.